Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is considering the possibility of restructuring the India-Pakistan dialogue to render it “uninterrupted” and “ uninterruptible”;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) to (c) Government has consistently stated that the door for dialogue with Pakistan has never been closed and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan is possible only in an environment free of terror or threat of terror. The Composite Dialogue resumed in 2004 was predicated on Pakistan’s solemn assurance not to allow territory under its control for terrorism against India. The Composite Dialogue has been paused since the Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008. However, during this period, there have been a number of meetings at the level of Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister with the leadership of Pakistan. In the meetings, India has reiterated the need for Pakistan to fulfill its commitments on terrorism directed against India. Pakistan has assured that all efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attack to justice and that it would not allow its territory to be used for terrorist activity directed against India. As directed by the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan following their meeting in Thimphu on April 29, 2010, Foreign Secretary and External Affairs Minister visited Islamabad on June 24, 2010 and July 15, 2010 respectively, to hold discussions with their Pakistan counterparts, to work out the modalities for restoring trust and confidence in the relationship thereby paving the way for a substantive dialogue on all issues of mutual concern.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220116267.

Rajya Sabha

Pakistan
South Asia